Megadeth.com - History

Megadeth is a band with a long and complex history, spanning many years. Here, we bring you an ongoing timeline of the band's history.

Click on a year below to jump to its events:

2010 : 2009 : 2008 : 2007 : 2006 : 2005 : 2004 : 2003 : 2002 : 2001 : 2000 : 1999 : 1998 : 1997
1996 : 1995 : 1994 : 1993 : 1992 : 1991 : 1990 : 1989 : 1988 : 1987 : 1986 : 1985 : 1984 : 1983 : 1982

2010

February, Original bassist David Ellefson returns to Megadeth, replacing James LoMenzo.
February, Megadeth shoot a video for "The Right To Go Insane," the second single from the Endgame album.
March, The 20th anniversary of the Rust In Peace album is celebrated with a U.S. tour featuring openers Testament and Exodus.
April/May, The "Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour" continues in South and Central America.
June, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - the "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal, play together for the first time in Poland and continue to share the stage in Europe throughout the month.

2009

January, Megadeth continues the recording of their 12th studio album with Andy Sneap returning as producer.
February, Megadeth joins Testament as openers for Judas Priest on the "Priest Feast" European tour.
April, Megadeth headlines the Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards, where Dave is presented with the Golden God Award.
June, Megadeth and Slayer team up for Canadian Carnage, a mini-tour of Western Canada.
June, "Head Crusher", the first single from Megadeth's new album, is released. The song is debuted live on the Canadian Carnage tour.
July, The video for "Head Crusher" is shot in Los Angeles, CA.
September, Megadeth's 12th studio album, Endgame is released, debuts at #9 on the Billboard chart.
October, Megadeth kicks off the 'Endgame Tour' in Australia and New Zealand co-headlining with Slayer.
November, 'Endgame Tour' continues in the U.S. Megadeth headlines with Machine Head, Suicide Silence, Arcanium and Warbringer.
December, Megadeth's "Head Crusher" is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Metal Performance category.

2008

January, Chris Broderick (Jag Panzer, Nevermore) replaces Glen Drover on guitar.
February, Megadeth continues the 'Tour of Duty' in Europe and kicks off 'Gigantour 2008' in the U.K. with Job For A Cowboy and Evile.
March, Megadeth plays India for the first time, headlining the 'Rock In India' festival.
April, Gigantour 2 is released on CD and DVD, highlighting the 2006 tour.
April, 'Gigantour 2008' begins in North America. Megadeth headlines with In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy and High On Fire.
May, 'Tour of Duty' continues in South America with shows in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and ending in Mexico in June.
July, Dave Mustaine has new recording studio "Vic's Garage" built in Southern California to record the next Megadeth album.
July, Megadeth performs live at the Mixed Martial Arts event, "Affliction Banned".
September, Megadeth Greatest Hits double disc "Anthology: Set The World Afire" is released.

2007

January, Dave Mustaine signs with Dean Guitars, debuts his new VMNT guitar at the NAMM Convention.
March, Megadeth opens for a reunited Black Sabbath (Heaven And Hell) on their Canadian tour.
March, That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires, filmed in Buenos Aires, is released on DVD. The 2CD set follows in October.
April, The 'Heaven And Hell' tour continues in the U.S.
May, Megadeth's 11th studio album, United Abominations, featurng the singles/videos "A Tout Le Monde" (featuring Christina Scabbia) and "Never Walk Alone" is released, debuts at #8 on U.S. charts.
June, Megadeth's 'Tour of Duty' begins in Europe with summer festivals and headline shows.
September, 'Tour of Duty' continues in the U.S. and Pacific Rim.
October, Megadeth release Warchest, a 4CD/1DVD career-spanning box set.
November, 'Gigantour 2007' kicks off in Australia with Static X, Devildriver, Lacuna Coil and Bring Me the Horizon.

2006

March, the two-disc DVD anthology Arsenal of Megadeth is released.
March, James LoMenzo (Black Label Society) replaces James MacDonough on bass.
March, Megadeth headlines the United Arab Emirates' Dubai Desert Rock Festival.
April, Megadeth begins recording a new album at SARM recording studios in England.
May, Megadeth signs with Roadrunner Records.
July, Megadeth plays Spain's Metalway Festival in Gernika and Jerez.
August, Gigantour's inaugural festival tour is released on 2-CD and 2-DVD sets.
September, 'Gigantour 2006' begins in North America. Megadeth headlines with Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill, Into Eternity, Sanctity and the Smashup.
October, Megadeth tours Japan and continues Gigantour in Australia with Soulfly, Arch Enemy and Caliban.
Halloween, Megadeth takes part in launching the 'Gears Of War' XBOX 360 game with a mini-concert at Six Flags theme park in Springfield, MA.
December, Dave Mustaine announces his departure from ESP guitars.

2005

February, Megadeth continues its 'Blackmail The Universe' tour worldwide with Diamond Head and Dungeon opening.
June, more worldwide shows and European festivals; Megadeth plays Iceland, Romania and Bulgaria for the first time.
June, Greatest Hits: Back To The Start is released.
July, 'Gigantour 1' hits North America all summer. Megadeth headlines with Dream Theater, Anthrax, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan, Nevermore, Life of Agony, Symphony X, Dry Kill Logic and Bobaflex. Footage is shot for an upcoming CD and DVD.
October, Dave Mustaine announces his decision to keep Megadeth together at a concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The show is filmed for a live album/DVD.

2004

January, Dave Mustaine makes an announcement about his good health, the future of Megadeth and upcoming releases.
July, Megadeth's back catalog is re-mixed and re-mastered with bonus tracks!
A new Megadeth album is recorded with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Jimmy Sloas and guest soloist Chris Poland. The System Has Failed is released September 14, 2004.
August, The new touring lineup is announced: Glen Drover (King Diamond/Eidolon) and James MacDonough (Iced Earth).
October, The 'Blackmail The Universe' tour begins in North America with Exodus opening. New drummer, Shawn Drover joins the band the week before.

2003

February, Dave Mustaine announces his departure as an endorsee for Jackson Guitars
April, Mustaine performs four Megadeth songs acoustically at a benefit for John Calleo
July, Mustaine attends the summer NAMM convention in Nashville to unveil his new signature ESP guitars.
October, Peace Sells ...But Who’s Buying? is released as an audio DVD presented in Dolby 5.1 surround.

2002

February, Killing Is My Business ...And Business Is Good! is re-mixed, re-mastered, and released
March, the double live album Rude Awakening is released.
April, Megadeth disbands after Dave Mustaine suffers a nerve injury in his arm, leaving him unable to play guitar.
September, Still Alive..And Well? is released.

2001

March, Dave Mustaine and Al Pitrelli begin a world press tour for the new album.
April, Megadeth shoots the video for Moto Psycho.
April/May, Megadeth begins a short U.S. acoustic tour sponsored by local radio stations.
May, The World Needs A Hero is released by Sanctuary.
June, Megadeth spends the summer on a world tour playing festivals, opening for AC/DC
September, Megadeth tours North America with Endo and Iced Earth.
October, Megadeth’s VH1 Behind The Music special is released on DVD.
November, Megadeth plays last two shows of TWNAH tour in Arizona, films both for a live album and DVD.

2000

January, Al Pitrelli joins Megadeth mid-tour.
April, the band starts work on its 10th release.
June, Megadeth plays the 'Maximum Rock' festival with Anthrax and Motley Crue.
July, Megadeth leaves Capitol Records.
October, Megadeth releases Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years
November, Megadeth signs with Sanctuary Records.
The band returns to the studio in LA to finish recording their new album.
New Year's Eve, Megadeth closes out the millennium in Anchorage, Alaska, broadcasts the concert on their website.

1999

January, Megadeth enters the studio with producer Dann Huff in Nashville to record their follow up to Cryptic Writings.
Megadeth spends the summer playing festivals, including Woodstock '99.
"Crush 'Em" is released on the Universal Soldier 2 Soundtrack and eventually makes its way into NHL arenas and WCW.
July, Megadeth covers "Never Say Die" for Nativity In Black II: Tribute To Black Sabbath.
Risk is released on August 31, 1999.
September, Megadeth opens for Iron Maiden on European tour.
December, Marty Friedman announces departure from Megadeth.

1998

January 28th, Dave Mustaine's daughter, Electra, is born.
January, "Trust" nominated for a Grammy.
January, Megadeth performs on The Howard Stern Show.
July, Megadeth takes part in "Ozzfest '98".
July, Nick Menza and Megadeth part ways, Jimmy DeGrasso is hired as Megadeth's new drummer.
October 23rd, David Ellefson's daughter Athena is born.
New Year's Eve, Megadeth opens for Black Sabbath along with Soulfly, Slayer and Pantera.

1997

June, Megadeth releases Cryptic Writings, launches new official website, Megadeth.com.
June, The Misfits open for Megadeth on summer U.S. tour.
June, Chaos Comics release The Cryptic Writings of Megadeth comic books.
October, remix of Megadeth's "Almost Honest" included on Mortal Kombat Annihilation Soundtrack.
December, Megadeth plays its first all-acoustic show in South America.

1996

January, "Paranoid" nominated for a Grammy in the Best Metal Performance category.
Dave Mustaine collaborates with Lee Ving of Fear on MD.45, The Craving.
David Ellefson's son, Roman Alexander, is born.
September, Megadeth begins recording new album in Nashville, TN.

1995

January, Megadeth's "Diadems" featured on Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight Soundtrack.
January, "99 Ways To Die" nominated for a Grammy.
January to February, "Youthanasia" worldwide tour with Corrosion of Conformity.
March, Megadeth releases Hidden Treasures compilation in Europe.
May, Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia video is released.
July, Megadeth releases Hidden Treasures compilation in USA and Japan.
July to August, "Reckoning Day" tour with Flotsam and Jetsam, Korn and Fear Factory.
September, Megadeth plays "Monsters Of Rock" festival in South America with Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper.

1994

January, "Angry Again" nominated for a Grammy.
October, Megadeth covers "Paranoid" for Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath.
Halloween, Megadeth releases Youthanasia, plays on MTV's "Night of the Living Megadeth".
Halloween, New website Megadeth Arizona is launched.
November, Megadeth kicks off the Youthanasia tour in South America.

1993

Dave Mustaine makes a guest appearance on Diamond Head's Death and Progress album.
January, Countdown To Extinction album nominated for a Grammy.
January, Megadeth tours the USA with Stone Temple Pilots. The tour is cancelled along with Japanese dates in May.
June, Megadeth plays Milton Keynes Bowl with Diamond Head and Metallica.
June Megadeth opens for Iron Maiden and Metallica on their European tour.
June, Megadeth's "Angry Again" featured on Last Action Hero soundtrack.
July, Aerosmith kicks Megadeth off their American "Get A Grip" tour after 7 dates; Jackyl takes their place.
November, Megadeth's "99 Ways to Die" featured on The Beavis and Butthead Experience Soundtrack.

1992

January, "Hangar 18" nominated for a Grammy.
February, Dave Mustaine's son, Justis, is born.
May, Megadeth's "Breakpoint" featured on Super Mario Bros Soundtrack.
July, Megadeth releases Countdown to Extinction.
July, Dave Mustaine covers Democratic National Convention for MTV.
November, Exposure of a Dream home video is released.
Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies open for Megadeth's "Countdown to Extinction" Tour.

1991

January, Megadeth plays to 140,000 people at the Rock In Rio II festival in Brazil.
January, Rust In Peace album nominated for a Grammy.
March, Megadeth's world tour beings, with The Almighty and Alice In Chains opening.
March, Dave Mustaine gets married to Pamela Anne Casselberry.
April, Rusted Pieces home video is released.
May, US "Clash of the Titans" tour featuring Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth and opener Alice in Chains.
July, Megadeth's "Go to Hell" featured on Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey Soundtrack.
September, Megadeth performs at the '91 Foundations Forum, wins awards for Hangar 18 and Rust In Peace.

1990

February, Marty Friedman is hired as Megadeth's lead guitarist.
September, Megadeth joins Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies and Testament for "Clash of the Titans" world tour.
October, Megadeth releases Rust in Peace.
October, Megadeth opens for Judas Priest in support of their new album Painkiller.

1989

July, Nick Menza is hired as Megadeth's new drummer.
Megadeth covers Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" for Wes Craven's Shocker Soundtrack, their only song recorded as a three-piece band.
Mustaine is arrested for impaired driving, forced to clean up in 12-step program.

1988

January, Megadeth releases So Far, So Good... So What!
Megadeth opens for Dio on North American tour.
June, Megadeth featured in acclaimed documentary, Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years.
June, Megadeth opens for Iron Maiden on their "Seventh Son" tour.
August, Megadeth plays "Monsters of Rock" festival at Castle Donnington along with KISS, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, David Lee Roth
August, Megadeth drops off the "Monsters of Rock" tour after one show. Jeff Young and Chuck Behler are fired soon after.
Dave Mustaine produces Sanctuary's debut album Refuge Denied.

1987

February, Megadeth opens for Alice Cooper's "Constrictor" tour.
March, Megadeth's first world tour begins in the UK.
Dave and David appear on Malice's License To Kill album.
Megadeth re-record "These Boots" for the Dudes soundtrack.
May-June, Megadeth tours the U.S. with Overkill and Necros.
Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson are fired after last show of tour in Hawaii.
Gar's drum tech Chuck Behler is hired as Megadeth's new drummer.
Jay Reynolds of Malice leads Megadeth to their new guitarist, Jeff Young.

1986

Capitol Records signs Megadeth, gets rights to Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? from Combat.
Megadeth opens for King Diamond and Motorhead in the U.S.
September, Cliff Burton dies in bus accident.
November, Megadeth releases Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?.
Megadeth shoots first video, "Peace Sells"

1985

May, Megadeth releases Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!
Summer, Megadeth tours the U.S. and Canada with Exciter, Mike Albert takes over for Chris Poland.
October, Chris Poland rejoins band.
October, Megadeth begins recording new album, Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? for Combat Records.
December, Megadeth plays New Year's Eve show in San Francisco with Metallica, Exodus and Metal Church.

1984

Megadeth record 3-song demo with drummer Lee Raush.
Kerry King assists Megadeth at live shows and then returns to Slayer.
Lee Rausch is replaced by Gar Samuelson.
November, Megadeth is signed to Combat records.
December, Chris Poland is hired as the new guitarist
December, Megadeth plays its first New York shows with Slayer.

1983

March, Cliff Burton's first gig with Metallica.
April, Dave Mustaine is fired from Metallica, Kirk Hammet leaves Exodus to replace him.
April, Mustaine forms new band Fallen Angels
Summer, Dave meets bassist David Ellefson, forms Megadeth with guitarist Greg Handevidt and drummer Dijon Carruthers.
Metallica's first album, Kill 'Em All, is released.
December 31st, Mustaine becomes Megadeth's singer.

1982

Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield form Metallica.
Dave Mustaine leaves Panic and joins Metallica.
Ron McGovney is hired as Metallica's bassist.
March, Metallica's first gig at Radio City in Anaheim.
March, Metallica opens for Saxon on their "Denim and Leather" tour.
April, Brad Parker (a.k.a. Damian Phillips) is hired as Metallica's second guitarist. He leaves band after one gig, Metallica's only day as a five-piece band.
May, James Hetfield takes up rhythm guitar in addition to vocals.
June, "Hit the Lights" is included on Metal Massacre compilation.
Rare demo album No Life 'til Leather is released.
December, Cliff Burton leaves Trauma to replace Ron McGovney.